Abstract: A method of providing wireless animal confinement includes the steps of selecting a location of a transmitter assembly; attaching a receiver assembly to the animal, the receiver assembly being adapted to selectively provide a corrective stimulation to the animal; selecting a first distance between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly to define a first zone within which no corrective stimulation is provided to the animal by the receiver assembly; selecting a second distance between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly to define a second zone beyond the first zone within which the corrective stimulation is provided to the animal by the receiver assembly; and selecting a third distance between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly to define a third zone beyond the second zone within which the animal will receive no further corrective stimulation from the receiver assembly.

Abstract: The apparatus is a remote controlled gate assembly. The rotation is accomplished by rotating a plate with an attached yoke to capture the lower rail of the gate. The yoke arrangement permits the gate to be manually operated by lifting it out of the yoke. The plate is itself rotated by a drive shaft passing through a hole in a device attached to the end of the gate. Multiple gates can be driven by a single cable, which moves around pulleys atop the drive shafts. The gate or the drive cable is driven by a remote controlled reversible motor, permitting the operator to open or close the gates without actual contact.

Abstract: A system for confining and training a pet is provided. The system includes a stationary transmitter in communication with a receiver collar worn by a pet and the other configured as a portable transmitter for controlling the operation of the stationary transmitter. The stationary transmitter includes a correction signal generator and a warning signal generator which feed an amplifier having an adjustable amplification factor controlled by a processing device. The amplified correction signal is transmitted through the wire loop antenna via a transmitter. The normal confinement mode operation of the system is interrupted by a training signal from the portable transmitter. Upon receipt of a training signal, the processing device produces a signal corresponding to the desired deterrent signal and increases the gain of the appropriate amplifier thereby boosting the signal strength such that the entire confinement area is filled with the desired deterrent signal.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable electronic, multi-sensory animal containment and tracking device which comprises a transmission cable 20 that is placed directly upon the ground to define a selective containment area 18 which cable 20 is plugged into and operated by a base unit 26 which can be powered by either rechargeable batteries 30 or a conventional 110-volt AC external power source 14. The transmission cable 20 has a plastic or rubberized coating 78 that is of a blue-violet and/or a yellow color to enhance the transmission cable's visibility to a canine 16. The transmission cable 20 emits a radio frequency output generated by a frequency generator 42 disposed in the base unit 26 and also activates an audible alarm through speaker 58 disposed in the remote unit 28 attached to the animal's collar 22 which thereby warns the animal 16 that it is close to the boundary line 20 and should retreat.

Abstract: A system (10) for confining an animal (18) in an area (16) defined by a boundary signal. The system includes a transmitter (22; 22A) to generate the boundary signal and an emitter such as a wire (20) to define area (16). The system also includes a receiver (26; 26A; 200; 200A) to be carried on the animal's neck. The receiver includes three selectively monitored and orthogonally-positional antennas (30, 32, 34; 202, 204, 206) to avoid missing a boundary signal. The receiver further includes code-detecting, duration monitoring and/or signal-strength circuitry (270) to control giving a shock to the animal. Further, the receiver is duty-cycled to conserve battery power (56). The shock is communicated via a conductive compliant tip (532) to reduce discomfort to the animal. The transmitter includes circuitry (64) to include a code in the boundary signal, and an isolation transformer (102) to protect the transmitter from energy strikes, such as lightning, at the emitter (20).

Abstract: A receiver/stimulus unit for an animal control system is mounted on an animal collar. The unit includes a power supply enclosure for a power source such as a battery separate from a receiver enclosure containing signal receiving circuitry. The power source is in electrical communication with the signal receiving circuitry via an electrical communication path passing on or through a portion of the strap of the collar.

Abstract: An electrical shock system is provided for deterring birds from entering defined regions. The electrical shock system includes a wiring configuration that maximizes that amount of the defined regions that will be covered by the system while minimizing the amount of wires so that the system may be installed easily with efficient use of the necessary wires. As a result, the bird control system of the present invention will provide better coverage over the desired regions and will therefore provide more effective in permanently keeping the birds from returning to the desired regions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting termites in which microwaves are transmitted into a region and reflected microwaves are detected. The received signals are processed to identify the presence or otherwise of termites or other insects. Various hardware configurations and signal processing algorithms are described including planar antenna arrays and neural net signal processing. The system comprises a microwave assembly, modulator and a processor. Microwaves are transmitted into a structure and the reflected microwaves are received in the microwave assembly. The output of the processor is displayed on a display.

Abstract: According to one form of the invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a positioning means. The positioning means comprising a global positioning system (GPS) 1 and a switch means 2. The GPS 1 and the switch means 2 are carried by a search and rescue dog 4 by way of a harness or jacket 3. The switch means incorporates a pull mechanism or a sound sensitive mechanism which activates the switch mechanism 2 when the dog 4 pulls the pull mechanism or barks. This causes activation of the GPS 1 to record and/or transmit information to identify the position of the positioning means, and thus a person, animal, substance, or article found by the dog.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: An electronic containment system using positional satellites is provided for controlling the movement of animals relative to a selected confinement area. A portable programming transceiver is used to program the boundary of a selected confinement area as the device is moved along such boundary. A programmable collar transceiver worn by the animal provides GPS signals from the satellite to a remotely located control station. The control station tracks the movement of the animal relative to the boundary. If the animal crosses the boundary, the station transmits a stimulus activation signal to the collar so that a corrective stimulus may be produced for the animal. Tracking and containment of objects are accomplished by providing GPS-defined, user-programmable containment areas.

Abstract: A system (10) for confining an animal (18) in an area (16) defined by a boundary signal. The system includes a transmitter (22; 22A) to generate the boundary signal and an emitter such as a wire (20) to define area (16). The system also includes a receiver (26; 26A; 200; 200A) to be carried on the animal's neck. The receiver includes three selectively monitored and orthogonally-positional antennas (30, 32, 34; 202, 204, 206) to avoid missing a boundary signal. The receiver further includes code-detecting, duration monitoring and/or signal-strength circuitry (270) to control giving a shock to the animal. Further, the receiver is duty-cycled to conserve battery power (56). The shock is communicated via a conductive compliant tip (532) to reduce discomfort to the animal. The transmitter includes circuitry (64) to include a code in the boundary signal, and an isolation transformer (102) to protect the transmitter from energy strikes, such as lightning, at the emitter (20).

Abstract: A remote receiver unit is for use in an animal behavior modification system that applies an electrical shock to an animal. The remote receiver unit has an electrical shock device including two electrodes configured for contacting the animal, a source of alternating current voltage, and an electrical transformer with a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is electrically connected to the source of alternating current voltage. The secondary coil is electrically connected to at least one of the two electrodes. The transformer has an output impedance of less than 900 ohms. A receiver circuit is electrically connected to the shock device. The receiver circuit is configured for activating the shock device in response to a received signal.

Abstract: A device worn externally (or parts of which may be inserted in the ear canal) by an animal which uses a programmable repertoire of bilaterally applied aversive stimuli for the autonomous control of an animal's location and direction of movement is disclosed. Electromagnetic signals and electromechanical hardware are activated through a dedicated, embedded computer system, that allows a cascade of one or more aversive stimuli, normally acoustic and/or electrical stimulation, to be bilaterally applied to either the right or left side of an animal as a cue to change its location through a specific direction of movement. Aversive stimuli are programmed to be administered only when an animal penetrates a predetermined boundary. The embedded computer uses satellite position system data to determine the animal's location with respect to the closest boundary line and then calculates when and to which side of the animal the repertoire of bilateral aversive stimuli is to be applied.

Abstract: An electronic containment system for use with animals and/or humans. The system has a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal, a receiver for receiving the radio signal from the transmitter and a power source separate from the receiver. The system also includes a collar or a belt to attach the receiver and the battery to the animal and/or human. The receiver is attached to a first position on the collar and the power source is attached to a second position on the collar.

Abstract: A Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”)-based restraint system includes a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, a mapping algorithm, a comparator, and a base station receiver. The receiver/transmitter includes a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint. The mapping algorithm calculates a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area, and the comparator provides an output comparing the present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area. The comparator output is transmitted as an output signal by the receiver/transmitter to the base station receiver and the position of the subject is monitored while the receiver/transmitter is attached to the subject. The restraint system also includes deterrent means for administering a deterrent to the subject that can be used either in lieu of or with the base station receiver.

Abstract: An animal walking apparatus having a plurality of rails where each rail is mounted at one end to a rotatable drive means and having a gate at its other end. An electric current is attached to each rail and its respective gate to provide stimulus to provoke an animal to move forward.

Abstract: An animal deterrent system for protecting a specific area. The animal deterrent system includes an infrared detection system for determining when an animal enters the protected area and an electromagnetic field (EMF) generator for communicating with a stimulus delivery system disposed on a collar worn by the pet. The stimulus delivery system produces a non-lethal electrostatic shock which encourages the pet to leave the protected area.

Abstract: A remote receiver unit is for use in an animal behavior modification system that applies an electrical shock to an animal. The remote receiver unit has an electrical shock device including two electrodes configured for contacting the animal, a source of alternating current voltager and an electrical transformer with a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is electrically connected to the source of alternating current voltage. The secondary coil is electrically connected to at least one of the two electrodes. The transformer has an output impedance of less than 1000 ohms. A receiver circuit is electrically connected to the shock device. The receiver circuit is configured for activating the shock device in response to a received signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the whereabouts of an animal is affixed to the animal and selectively administers appropriate aversive stimuli effective to deter the animal from encroachment of boundaries in accordance with predetermined conditions based on the coding and/or timing of radio signals received from at least one transmitter, which may include a wire loop. The apparatus receives radio signals intermittently transmitted from the transmitters, wherein the radio signals define at least one boundary for the animal. The apparatus then selectively administers the appropriate aversive stimuli in response to determining that at least one of the received radio signals satisfies one or more of the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method of applying at least one of a stimulus and a warning signal to an animal includes selecting a maximum desired distance between the animal and a transmitter, transmitting a radio frequency signal from the transmitter at a first point in time, and receiving the radio frequency signal with a receiver attached to the animal. An ultrasonic frequency signal is transmitted from the transmitter at a second point in time. A first time difference between the second point in time and the first point in time varies inversely with the selected maximum desired distance. The ultrasonic frequency signal is received with the receiver at a third point in time. A second time difference between the third point in time and the first point in time is calculated. It is determined whether the animal is beyond the maximum desired distance from the transmitter by comparing the second time difference with at least one threshold time difference.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for prohibiting the crossing of a zone boundary by an animal (2,4). This device comprises interactive means (12, 14) for locating the animal (2, 4) with respect to a control station (8), means for sanctioning (16) the use of which is dependent on means (66, 50, 52, 54) for processing and analyzing data supplied by said locating means (12, 140. The sanctioning means (16) are means for fogging a fluid, comprising an electrovalve; the actuating of the electrovalve varies in frequency, in duration and in delivery according to the distance separating the animal from the control station and the duration of the presence of the animal in the zone to be protected.

Abstract: An echo-ranging boundary system is provided for controlling the access of animals to predefined areas. An electronic transponder collar is affixed to an animal for exclusion from a predefined area. An ultrasonic beacon, defining a transmission reference point, periodically transmits a directional ultrasonic interrogation signal for determining the location of animals provided with transponder collars. The transponder collar emits an ultrasonic reply signal, detected by the station after a period of time defined by the propagation delay of the ultrasonic reply signal. The propagation delay of the reply signal is directly proportional to the distance between the transponder and the interrogation signal reference point. A timing threshold is set at the transmission station corresponding to a desired control distance. Reply signals returned before a device time-out are compared to the timing threshold.

Abstract: An animal control device, and method for confining an animal within a boundary identified by a current carrying conductor. The animal is equipped with a control device, as an antenna coil, which is coupled to a magnetic flux emanating from the conductor. When the animal approaches the boundary conductor, the change in voltage across the antenna coil is compared with a reference change in voltage. As the distance closes from a charging animal, the rate of change in voltage from the antenna coil increases correspondingly, providing a reliable detection of the animal's imminent crossing of the boundary. Conventional animal correction circuitry is provided which, in response to a detected voltage change, issues a corrective stimulus to the animal to stop the animal from crossing the boundary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training an animal and confining the animal to a defined area includes a magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus further includes a housing removably attached to the animal and a transducer mounted to the housing for delivering a stimulus to the animal. The magnetically actuated switch is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the transducer. The magnetically actuated switch is used for controlling at least one of a type of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, a rate of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, and an intensity of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal.

Abstract: The lost pet notification system includes three elements: a pet collar that automatically activates an alarm once the pet becomes lost, a portable hand held unit that continually monitors the location of the pet, and a base station that automatically transmits a signal to the owner once the portable unit determines that the pet is lost. The pet collar continually receives a polling signal from the portable unit while the pet is within transmission range of the portable unit. In response to each polling signal, the pet collar transmits a reply signal to the portable unit. Once the polling signal can no longer be detected by the pet collar, the pet collar automatically activates an alarm. In addition, the portable unit activates an alarm and also transmits a notification signal to the base station. Once the notification signal is received, a the base station automatically places a telephone call to the predetermined telephone number and plays the associated message to alert the pet owner that the pet is lost.

Abstract: An RF signaling system and system for controlling the whereabouts of animals utilizing same functions, in a preferred embodiment, by efficiently establishing well-defined electronic boundaries using small, battery powered transmitters transmitting constant envelope RF signals in a near-field regime by repetitively delivering trains of brief, low duty cycle pulses of electrical energy to a resonant circuit which includes an antenna at a low RF carrier frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the circuit. During intervals between pulses, the resonant circuit is effectively isolated from the circuit delivering the pulses to minimize loading effects. Further energy efficiency is achieved by interposing inactive interals between at least some successive transmissions of the RF signals represented by the pulse trains. The RF signals emitted by the transmitters are digitally encoded as are those emitted from a wire loop coupled to an optional wire loop unit to define a wire loop boundary.

Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.

Abstract: A programmable boundary pet containment system is provided for controlling the access of animals to areas outside of programmed boundaries. A programmable relay collar is provided on an animal to transmit positional data as detected from positional satellites to a remotely located processing station. The processing station calculates the relayed data to determine the position of the animal relative to a configuration data file establishing confinement area boundaries. Animals that are detected as venturing beyond the programmed boundaries are subject to a correction stimulus, such as a mild shock or audible signal, delivered to the animal by the relay collar as enabled by the remotely located processing station.

Abstract: An animal confinement/training system controls the behavior of the animal through electrical stimulation to the skin of the animal. A stationary first transmitter transmits an air-borne first encoded signal. A portable second transmitter transmits an air-borne second encoded signal. A receiver includes a receiver circuit coupled with a pair of electrodes. The receiver circuit is responsive to either of the first encoded signal or the second encoded signal for applying electrical stimulation to the skin of the animal with the pair of electrodes. The receiver further includes a temporary disabling device for temporarily disabling the responsiveness of the receiver circuit to the first encoded signal. The receiver circuit may also be responsive to another encoded signal from the second transmitter for actuating an illuminating light and/or audible alarm without applying electrical stimulation to the skin of the animal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operation and location of a movable entity, such as a person, vehicle, movable equipment item or movable structure, at an activity site, such as a construction or mining site, that carries a location determination (LD) signal module to determine the entity's present location. When a restricted or hazardous activity occurs without warning (emergency) or is scheduled to occur at a selected location (fixed or moving) and selected time interval on the site, a buffer zone surrounding the restricted activity location is determined, and any movable entity that is within or will come within the buffer zone is advised to move or be moved elsewhere during the time the restricted activity occurs, unless the movable entity has an associated priority that is greater than an associated priority for the restricted activity. The buffer zone may vary with time in size, location and other characteristics.

Abstract: A system (10) for confining an animal (18) in an area (16) defined by a boundary signal. The system includes a transmitter (22; 22A) to generate the boundary signal and an emitter such as a wire (20) to define area (16). The system also includes a receiver (26; 26A; 200; 200A) to be carried on the animal's neck. The receiver includes three selectively monitored and orthogonally-positional antennas (30, 32, 34; 202, 204, 206) to avoid missing a boundary signal. The receiver further includes code-detecting, duration monitoring and/or signal-strength circuitry (270) to control giving a shock to the animal. Further, the receiver is duty-cycled to conserve battery power (56). The shock is communicated via a conductive compliant tip (532) to reduce discomfort to the animal. The transmitter includes circuitry (64) to include a code in the boundary signal, and an isolation transformer (102) to protect the transmitter from energy strikes, such as lightning, at the emitter (20).

Abstract: A transmitter for an electronic animal control system of the type employing a boundary wire antenna for radiating a predetermined radio frequency signal, is provided with phase detection circuitry for detecting a phase difference between the applied radio frequency signal and the electrical current within the antenna. Phase control circuitry is provided for adjusting the phase of the voltage with respect to the current in response to detecting a phase difference.

Abstract: A fenceless animal confinement system comprising portable units attached to the animal and including means for receiving GPS signals and for providing stimulation to the animal. The GPS signals are processed to provide location information which is compared to the desired boundary parameters. If the animal has moved outside the desired area, the stimulation means is activated. The signal processing circuitry may be included either within the portable unit or within a separate fixed station.

Abstract: A pet containment system which comprises a transmitter for transmitting a series of electromagnetic signals, and a receiver removably attached to the pet for receiving the series of electromagnetic signals from the transmitter. The transmitter includes means for generating the electromagnetic signals, means for transmitting the electromagnetic signals, and at least one transmitting antenna. The receiver includes at least one receiving antenna, means for comparing the phase of the received electromagnetic signals from the transmitter with a predetermined phase and for producing an electronic indication of a loss of phase, and means for producing a control stimulus to the pet. The present invention also provides a method for producing an area for the containment of a pet.

Abstract: An electronic containment system that confines an animal or a person to a predetermined confinement area. The system has a home base that transmits data on a partially modulated signal to a transceiver worn by an animal or a person. When the animal's or person's transceiver detects the data on the partially modulated carrier wave, the transceiver activates one of a number of different features of the transceiver unit. The electronic containment system deters the animal or person from leaving the predetermined outer perimeter, by activating an annoying noise, a deterrent shock, or both. The transceiver can also transmit a digitized word and data pertaining to the transceiver, battery power, and telemetry reading of the animal or person. The home base detects and reads the data transmitted from the receiver.

Abstract: An electronic containment system that confines an animal or a person to a predetermined confinement area. The system has a home base that transmits data on a partially modulated signal to a transceiver worn by an animal or a person. When the animal's or person's transceiver detects the data on the partially modulated carrier wave, the transceiver activates one of a number of different features of the transceiver unit. The electronic containment system deters the animal or person from leaving the predetermined outer perimeter, by activating an annoying noise, a deterrent shock, or both. The transceiver can also transmit a digitized word and data pertaining to the transceiver, battery power, and telemetry reading of the animal or person. The home base detects and reads the data transmitted from the receiver.

Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically confining an animal within one or more selected spaces within a selected area. Current pulses are directed around conducting perimeters surrounding the selected spaces. The animal to be confined is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense whether the animal approaches a conducting perimeter from inside the selected space or outside the selected space, and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the animal passes out of bounds, when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling the position of an animal. A mounted subsystem, affixed to an animal, includes a first computer control system having a first input/output device (first I/O), a position determining system (PDS), a first transceiver, sensors, and stimulators. The PDS can be a GPS system or other type of position determining system. The stimulators include a rear stimulator affixed to the hind quarters of the animal for motivating the animal to move forward, a right stimulator affixed to the right side of the animal for motivating the animal to move to its left, and a left stimulator affixed to the left side of the animal for motivating the animal to move to its right. A base subsystem includes a second computer control system having a second transceiver. Position control instructions control the stimulators in order to control the position of the animal. A memory map is read from computer readable memory units.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically controlling the movement of one or more animals relative to a selected area. The selected area may be an exclusion area into which an animal is deterred from entering, or may be a confinement area from which the animal is deterred from leaving. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by a generator located in the selected area, and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit may report to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter of the selected area. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long.

Abstract: An animal confinement arrangement including a home base for transmitting a modulated signal and a receiver for receiving the modulated signal. The received modulated signal is demodulated using a demodulator. The demodulated signal is compared to a reference signal to produce a comparator signal indicating if the received modulated signal was transmitted by the home base. Also provided is variable sensitivity deterrent circuitry which is responsive to a strength level of the received modulated signal and to the comparator signal for producing a variable deterrent signal which is applied to an animal if the comparator signal indicates that the received modulated signal was transmitted by the home base. Communication circuitry and an antenna design allow the user to communicate with the animal. A low battery strength indicator for the battery in the receiver is also provided.

Abstract: A confinement system for animals operates by transmitting a first predetermined spread spectrum modulated signal to a receiver mounted on an animal's collar. The spread spectrum modulated signal is despread demodulated. The data on the signal is removed and deciphered by the receiver to determine if the received signal is the correct discrete spread spectrum modulated signal. If the demodulated and reference signals are similar, then the signal strength of the first signal is used to determine whether the animal is close to a boundary area. If the spread spectrum modulated and reference signals are not similar, the first signal is ignored.

Abstract: A system for tracking articles or persons comprising a base unit for transmitting a series of ultrasonic signals and an alarm signal, a remote unit, removably attached to the article or person, for receiving the series of ultrasonic signals from the base unit and for transmitting an electromagnetic signal upon receipt of the ultrasonic signal from the base unit, and a monitoring unit for receiving the alarm signal.

Abstract: A system (10) for confining an animal (18) in an area (16) defined by a boundary signal. The system includes a transmitter (22; 22A) to generate the boundary signal and an emitter such as a wire (20) to define area (16). The system also includes a receiver (26; 26A; 200; 200A) to be carried on the animal's neck. The receiver includes three selectively monitored and orthogonally-positional antennas (30, 32, 34; 202, 204, 206) to avoid missing a boundary signal. The receiver further includes code-detecting, duration monitoring and/or signal-strength circuitry (270) to control giving a shock to the animal. Further, the receiver is duty-cycled to conserve battery power (56). The shock is communicated via a conductive compliant tip (532) to reduce discomfort to the animal. The transmitter includes circuitry (64) to include a code in the boundary signal, and an isolation transformer (102) to protect the transmitter from energy strikes, such as lightning, at the emitter (20).

Abstract: An animal containment system comprising a stationary transmitter including a transmitter for defining a first curtain of energy having a first code to be entered by an animal approaching an off limits area and a second curtain of energy adjacent the first curtain and having a second code, the second curtain to be entered after the animal passes through the first curtain approaching the off limits area, and at least one receiver to be carried by an animal to be contained including a receiver responsive to the first code when the animal is within the first curtain for issuing a warning signal and responsive to the second code when the animal is within the Second curtain for issuing a discipline signal.

Abstract: An animal confinement arrangement including a home base for transmitting a modulated signal and a receiver for receiving the modulated signal. The received modulated signal is demodulated using a demodulator. The demodulated signal is compared to a reference signal to produce a comparator signal indicating if the received modulated signal was transmitted by the home base. Also provided is deterrent circuitry which is responsive to a strength level of the received modulated signal and to the comparator signal for producing a deterrent signal which is applied to an animal if the comparator signal indicates that the received modulated signal was transmitted by the home base.

Abstract: A low average power animal restraining system and method has a radio frequency transmitter for generating a carrier signal, an antenna for radiating the carrier signa, a radio frequency receiver, adapted to be placed on the animal. The receiver has an animal stimulation mechanism for providing a warning to the animal in response to a signal received from the transmitter. Power required to operate the transmitter is reduced by (1) amplitude modulating the carrier signal with a low frequency signal having a low duty cycle, (2) discontinuing the carrier signal for periods of time, or (3) reducing the pulse width of the carrier signal.

Abstract: A disruption generator is provided for use in an electronic animal confinement system for preventing undesirable correction of the animal in the vicinity of incidental conductive structures capable of coupling and re-radiating a transmitter signal for controlling the animal. The disruption generator produces a disruption signal for masking, preventing, or otherwise interfering with reception of the transmitter signal by an animal control receiver device mounted on the animal. The disruption generator can be connected to such incidental conductive structures as utility conduits, door frames, household wiring, and the like, to prevent undesirable correction of the animal in the vicinity thereof due to inductive or resonant coupling of the transmitter signal by such structures.